December 24, 2024

Calendar: Cover crops topic of Ag Coffee Talk

By AgriNews Staff
Cover crops are one of the most effective in-field conservation practices that Illinois farmers can adopt. They protect soil from erosion, reduce compaction and absorb excess nutrients.

Cover crops are one of the most effective in-field conservation practices that farmers can adopt. They protect soil from erosion, reduce compaction and absorb excess nutrients.

AMBOY, Ill. — Cover crops will be the topic of the Ag Coffee Talk, 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 26 at the University of Illinois Extension office, 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy.

Cover crops are essential for limiting soil and nutrient loss from fields and are also useful for building organic matter, improving water infiltration, and increasing water holding capacity. Participants will share their experiences and learn from others.

Refreshments will be served. To register for this free program, visit https://tinyurl.com/ajkkbc5y.

Ruminant Workshop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Small Ruminant Producer Workshop will be 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET Nov. 23 at the Lynn Hall, 615 Harrison St., West Lafayette.

The one-day event will be led by farm animal veterinary faculty and clinicians in the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine. The goal of this workshop is to bring together sheep and goat producers and Purdue Extension educators from across the state to discuss topics applicable for both commercial and show stock producers.

Topics will include: Urolithiasis Management and Prevention, Parasite Management in Your Herd, and Indiana Farm Extension Resources. There will be a trailer safety demonstration and Farm Animal Hospital tour.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p93fy8v.

Farmland Owners Conference

OGLESBY, Ill. — The Farmland Owners Conference will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith St., Oglesby.

Topics will include:

• Negotiating cash rent.

• Understanding current land values and appraisals.

• Soil fertility: Protecting your investment.

• Solar energy on your land.

• Maintaining profits while protecting the environment.

• Types of insurance you need for your farm.

• Navigating Farm Service Agency forms and requirements.

• Estate planning.

• Organic production.

Cost is $65 and covers all presentations, refreshments and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/457tmrxf.

Mindful Holidays

NORMAL, Ill. — The program Mindful Holidays: Reducing Stress for a Joyful Season will be 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 25 at the ARC, 600 E. Willow St., Normal.

The holiday season can be both magical and overwhelming. The program will address some common stressors and discuss practical ways to navigate them for a more relaxed holiday experience.

To register, call 309-888-9099. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3y8hjydm.

Penning Your Past

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Penning Your Past will be 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Warren County Library, 62 Public Square, Monmouth.

Have you thought about writing your own life story as a way to share with others, or perhaps to leave a legacy? Explore ways to preserve your individual and family stories for future generations. No prior writing skills are needed.

RSVP at 309-734-3166. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yeypxk6n.

PARP Workshop

CHRISNEY, Ind. — The Spencer County PARP Workshop will be 9 to 11 a.m. CT Nov. 26 at the Spencer County Youth & Community Center, 1101 E CR 800 N, Chrisney.

Topics will include Securing Your Load With Straps and Chains, Fred Whitford, Purdue Pesticide Programs; and Worker Protection Standards, Nicholas Held, Purdue Extension — Spencer County.

The free program is sponsored by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/8n654myb.

Flour to Ferment

URBANA, Ill. — The online program From Flour to Ferment: Sourdough Starter Essentials will be noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 26.

Participants will learn about sourdough fermentation’s long history and science and learn how to make a starter with two simple ingredients: flour and water. The benefits of using local grain flour will be discussed.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc422fec.

Be Heart Smart

CROWN POINT, Ind. — The Be Heart Smart program will be 1 to 3 p.m. CT on Tuesdays, Nov. 26-Dec. 17 at the Lake County Extension office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

The classes will include a Be Heart Smart program manual, a heart healthy cookbook, food demonstrations and tastings, and educational instruction focused on the benefits of following a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Register via email, dmcook@purdue.edu, or call the Extension office, 219-755-3240. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5686xkdr.

Holiday Bites

PRINCETON, Ill. — Holiday Bites: Balancing Extra Calories through the Holidays will be 2:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Bureau County Senior Center, 16 W. Marion St., Princeton.

Learn to prepare some new holiday recipes that you can enjoy and stay on track with calories. Participants will taste some holiday bites.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4nda7kuf.

Holiday Magic

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Handmade Holiday Magic Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 27 at the Pike County Farm Bureau, 1301 E. Washington St., Pittsfield.

Third- and fourth-graders will craft handmade ornaments and treats. Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3sst74mc. For more information, contact Kristin Huls, khuls@illinois.edu.

Climate Risk Tools

URBANA, Ill. — The Agriculture Climate Risk Tools Workshop will be 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Sims Meeting Room, ACES Library, 1101 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana.

Today’s farming weather isn’t your grandparents’ weather. Weather trends are continuing to change. Make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your farming operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond.

Connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss real-world scenarios at this climate-smart farming workshop. This workshop is open to field crop producers, specialty growers, farm managers, crop advisers, and other agriculture professionals. Regional climate specialists will explore what tools are available and how producers can use them to reduce costly weather and climate risks.

Register for this free workshop at https://tinyurl.com/22tms3p6.

Homemade for the Holidays

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Vigo County 4-H Homemade for the Holidays will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Nov. 27 at the Vigo County Fairgrounds, 3901 S. US Hwy 41, Terre Haute.

Third- through 12th-graders will make homemade gifts, learn about holiday traditions, and make holiday crafts and snacks.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5f6dd46x.

AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.